Need help from an expert?
The world’s top online tutoring provider trusted by students, parents, and schools globally.
The OS prioritises processes for resource allocation based on their priority levels, which are determined by the scheduling algorithm.
The operating system (OS) is responsible for managing all the resources of a computer system, including the CPU, memory, and I/O devices. One of its key tasks is to decide the order in which processes are executed, a task known as scheduling. The OS uses a scheduling algorithm to determine the priority of each process, and the process with the highest priority is allocated resources first.
There are several types of scheduling algorithms that an OS might use, each with its own method of determining process priority. For example, in a First-Come, First-Served (FCFS) algorithm, the process that arrives first is given the highest priority. In a Shortest Job Next (SJN) algorithm, the process with the shortest estimated run time is given the highest priority. Other algorithms, like Priority Scheduling, allow the user or system to assign priority levels to processes.
The OS also uses a technique called preemption to manage process priority. In a preemptive system, the OS can interrupt a currently running process to give resources to a higher priority process. This is often used in real-time systems where certain tasks must be completed within a specific time frame.
In addition to scheduling, the OS also manages resource allocation through techniques like paging and segmentation. These techniques allow the OS to divide memory into sections and allocate them to different processes, helping to ensure that all processes have the resources they need to run effectively.
In summary, the OS prioritises processes for resource allocation through a combination of scheduling algorithms, preemption, and memory management techniques. These methods allow the OS to ensure that all processes are executed in an efficient and fair manner, maximising the overall performance of the computer system.
Study and Practice for Free
Trusted by 100,000+ Students Worldwide
Achieve Top Grades in your Exams with our Free Resources.
Practice Questions, Study Notes, and Past Exam Papers for all Subjects!
The world’s top online tutoring provider trusted by students, parents, and schools globally.